Joe Baca: “I ask that the Congress reflect on the memory of my brother, Abilio Baca, of Barstow, California, who passed away this…”

“I ask that the Congress reflect on the memory of my brother, Abilio Baca, of Barstow, California, who passed away this morning July 19, 2000, after a heart attack. They say a man is measured by the lives he touches. Through the grace of God, Abilio touched many lives. Born in Las Neutras, New Mexico, Abilio served family and country with distinction. Although circumstances didn't permit him to complete school, he made an ever-lasting impact and contribution to his family and community. He served as an E-7 Staff Sergeant in the Army, where he fought in the Korean War; served twenty years with the National Guard; worked as an Army recruiter; and concluded his career as a Rigger Foreman for the Marine Corps Logistics Base. Albilio was widely admired by family, friends and colleagues. He was hard working, dedicated, committed, disciplined, loving and supporting. He was everything one would want in a brother, son, father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather. Abilio was like a father, coach and mentor to me. He was my oldest brother, my friend. He was the father I had after my dad passed away. He started me in little league and bought me my first baseball shoes. He attended many of my games, and even would bring my parents. I played softball at the age of 14, for a team he coached, that was called the ``gophers'', which won many championships. This was an adult team but he had trust and faith in me that I could do it.”